Monday, January 5, 2009

I must admit from time to time I forget one of the basic rules of life and minstry taught me by the first Senior Pastor I worked under. He told me to 'run your calendar, or your calendar will run you'. I have been so busy lately that I haven't stopped to say hello, or pass on a note to my readers and friends. I was run over by my calendar leading up to Christmas.

Were the things I was doing a benifit to God's Kingdom? I would like to believe so. However, this doesn't take away the fact that I have not been able to do some of the things I enjoy. I enjoy spending quiet Christmas Eve's by the light of the Christmas tree contmplating God's love for me. I enjoy taking a walk in my neighborhood and praying over the homes of my neighbors as I go. It is a joy to read a book, just for the joy of reading and not for study.

Since October I have been unable to many things I enjoy, because the demand of the ministry has kept me busy. Yet, I am the one who makes my schedule. Like many of you I sometimes have a hard time saying no, and find myself far too busy.

We took four days as a family from January First to Today. I didn't worry about the service (at least not much). I didn't visit people in need, although I visited a lot of family. I didn't preach, (at least not offically). I enjoyed the company of family, which I only see a few times a year. I took a walk through the snow. I acted young, and went sledding. I played games with my family, and extened family. I revived my soul by listening instead of preaching as Sunday message.

Even as I drove home I felt my revived soul urging me to move ahead. New Sermon ideas just seemed to flow to my mind and heart. I know we need rest, and there are demanding times of year. I only pray that God will help me to say no once in a while, and learn to run my calendar a bit more dilligently. I pray the same for each and every one of us in this New Year.

About Me

I have been ministering in the Wesleyan church since the 1990's. Most of my ministry has been in small-town's. My wife and I have ministered alongside one another, and have also been called to encourage others in their own spiritual growth and ministry in Christ for many years.